R&D engines brings veteran back to shop

June 2, 2013

COLLIERS - After an eight-year hiatus, Randy Zaslocke is back in business.

Zaslocke's new venture, R&D Drag Racing Engines, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday. Located at 1066 Halls Road, Colliers, Zaslocke specializes in building engines, transmissions and rear-ends, though he'll also be doing general repairs.

"We're going to have a body shop shortly, probably within a few weeks," he said.

Zaslocke said he's been working with engines all his life. An avid drag racer, he said his specialty is building engines, "especially tricked out small block Chevy engines and tricked-out twin cam Harleys."

"I make things go fast, very fast, and they're dependable," he said. "I've been doing it all my life. You keep experimenting, doing it every day and just keep working until you perfect it. I built my first motor with my Dad at 12 years old and built my first motor by myself at 14. I painted my first car at 12."

He'd previously operated Zaz-lok Automotives & Performance for a decade, but took a break for health reasons and the death of his father.

"I did it by myself back then," he said. "But this team came together, we all wanted to do it."

Joining Zaslocke at R&D are his mother, Jackie, who owns the building; Dawn Bruckman, manager; and Shawn Shorts, technician.

Between them, Zaslocke and Shorts have 50-plus years of experience.

In addition to small block Chevy and twin cam Harley engines, the shop's specialities also include marine engines, all-out racing engines, remanufactured and used engines, transmissions and rear-ends, installation and repair.

R&D is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information or directions, call (304) 527-4540.